A Night To Remember – The Book Launch for MAKING HEADLINES

Posted on February 25, 2016 by JenniferHansen

My eBook, Making Headlines

Today, it’s exactly three weeks since the Book Launch for my eBook MAKING HEADLINES and life has been so crazy since I let it loose on the world, that I’ve only just got around to Blogging about the actual night.

Prior to the launch, I wrote a post about my indecision as to whether I should hold a party or not. Post-party, I can say without a doubt – I am absolutely thrilled I went ahead with the night and will hold it dear as one of the most significant events in memory.

Yep – that’s a big statement, so let me explain. To me, it was a celebration of a project that I was passionate about. So much so, that despite having many major hurdles and doubts along the way, I saw it through to the end, allowing it to absorb a huge part of my life. The ultimate goal was to have the book published, so I could share this story with the world and hopefully provide a tale that would engage, entertain and also offer a few insights into an unusual world. To have the book be given the tick of approval by a major well-respected publisher – Harper Collins – is, for me, a major achievement and something well worth celebrating. On the night, everyone who is an important part of my life and who was able to be there, turned up to celebrate with me and the room was filled with the most wonderful, supportive energy. So many people commented on what a happy evening it was – and that’s exactly how it felt for me too.

Hotel Brighton

The venue, at HOTEL BRIGHTON, was perfect, with the upstairs function area providing a classy and intimate environment – as well as fabulous food and service. I’d highly recommend it to anyone looking to host a private function! There was also a screen so we could show my Book Trailer.

Big thanks to everyone for coming and helping to make it such a special occasion. Especially to my dear friends Brigitte Duclos and Mitch Catlin who took on the roles of MC and interviewer respectively, making it much a more entertaining night than if I’d been up there in front of everyone on my own!

Brigitte Duclos and Ann Peacock

Mitch Catlin and me in matching polka dots!

As well, a huge debt of gratitude to our friends and Fletch’s NEIGHBOURS fellow cast members for coming along and helping garner media support – and for hamming it up beautifully for the cameras. Here are some of the best shots from these wonderful people:

Jackie Woodburne, Stefan Dennis, Gail Easdale and Natalie Bassingthwaigthe

Stefan Dennis and Fletch

Fletch and Natalie Bassingthwaighte

Gail Easdale, Jackie Woodburne and Natalie Bassingthwaighte

Stefan Dennis and Fletch

Here’s some of my speech from the night, along with some photos from the evening:

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“I could never have come this far without the help of an incredible writing teacher and she’s here tonight. Thank you SO much to Olga Lorenzo from the RMIT Writing course. Olga taught the Creative Writing unit and I studied with her for three years. I could not have finished this book without her invaluable input and guidance.

Olga is also herself an acclaimed and brilliant writer and has her second novel THE LIGHT ON THE WATER coming out in a few weeks, (TODAY!) so congratulations Olga – I can’t wait to read it.

Olga Lorenzo and me

A big thank you as well to all my fellow students at RMIT who gave me valuable feedback during work-shopping sessions in class. In particular, to my friends that grew from that course to develop our own writers’ group – to Ann Bolch, Lisa Bigelow, Kaye Holder and Clare Strahan.

An extra special thank you to Ann Bolch who also worked as the first editor of the completed manuscript and did a superb job. If you ever need a good editor, Ann is exceptionally talented and very, very wise.

A congratulatory hug from Ann Bolch

Lisa Bigelow and me

As well as the Writer’s Group, two of my friends and my sister took the time and effort to read early drafts. Thank you to Jill and Rick Molinsky for your encouragement and support.

Also a huge thank you to my dear, wicked, gorgeous, talented, close friend, Rochelle Nolan, who is sadly no longer with us. Rochy was always my biggest supporter, read an early draft of the book and pepped me up whenever I was feeling negative about my writing. I wish she could have been here to see the book in its final published form. I miss her every day.

To my dear friend and stepsister, Sian Prior, another superbly talented writer, who inspired me to take up the RMIT PWE course in the first place.

To my wonderful friend and author Ellie Nielsen, who also not only encouraged me to take up the RMIT course, but inspired me with her own book ‘Buying A Piece of Paris’ and then invited me to that very apartment where we shared what was ostensibly a writing sabbatical but also involved plenty of champagne in the work-shopping of ideas, lively conversation and literary debate.

Ellie Nielsen, Michelle Van Raay and me

To special friends who were always there with love and support – to Julie, Brigitte, Andy and Mitch – as well as all my friends who came on the night.

Anne Peacock, Libby Ross, Andy Webster and Julie Milnes

Steve and Ineke Carey with me in the middle!

Fletch, Tania Gogos-Wilson, Jen and Ross Wilson

Margaret Zita and Maryanne Gianarelli

Nick Holland and Aki Kotzamichalis

To my work colleagues at Smoothfm; to Jane Elliot for her help on the publicity front and to Mike Perso, for his amazing and enthusiastic on-air support.

Mike Perso and me

Tanya Simpson, me and Jane Elliot

Nova’s Matt Smithson, Sophia Lazarides and Matt Thomson

THE SMOOTH TEAM – Program Director Pete Clay, Lauren Saylor, Mike Perso, me and Ty Frost

Ty Frost and me

To my former news-reading partner, Mal Walden, for understanding that NO character in this book is based on him!

Mal Walden and me

Present and past on-air colleagues

To Harper Collins; for agreeing to publish this work; in particular, Mary Rennie for going above and beyond in managing to take this book to the next level from its original draft.

To my parents and step-parents; Mum and Ken, Dad and Margot, for their never-ending encouragement and support.

Me and Dad (John Hansen)

And lastly, to my immediate family – my husband, Alan, and two children, Veronica and Tom. I am very much indebted to you all for putting up with my absences while I was holed up in my office, writing. For understanding that when I disappeared into ‘Book World’ I should not be interrupted.

To Alan, for his patience and love throughout; to Tom for actually reading the first few chapters and proving to that me he will one day be the best writer in the family; and to Veronica for finding great words to replace the rude ones.

My beautiful children Veronica and Tom, with Tom’s gorgeous girlfriend Carrington Hannah

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So that was my night of nights! Again, thank you to all who came and to all who have since bought the book online. Thanks also for the continuing social media support. If you forgot to post something on social media on the night, please retweet this Blog to help get word out about the book. The more it sells, the more chance I have of it being printed as a hard-copy book!

My eBook, Making Headlines

For those wanting to buy a copy, MAKING HEADLINES is available on iBooks and Amazon AND Google books.

And for those interested in enquiring about a function at HOTEL BRIGHTON, phone the wonderful Grace Eddy, Functions Co-ordinator, on 9596 3244.

Christmas comes early at the ‘Women in Media’ lunch

Posted on December 14, 2013 by JenniferHansen

It’s an annual event and an invitation much sought after by Melbourne’s media girls – the Women in Media Lunch at Crown. That’s not just because Crown’s Ann Peacock always puts on such a wonderful day with superb food and champagne, it’s the company invited AND the incredible goody bag you stumble home with after a day of indulgence…

Last Friday we gathered at SILKS restaurant where the staff prepared a stunning feast of delicate dishes that blew my diet out of the water… not that I cared one bit!

In this case, the photos I took will best tell the story of how the day panned out so let’s take a look:

We gathered on the balcony of Crown’s SILKS restaurant.

The Dream Team from the Blo Bar were on hand to style lashes and hair for those who’d rushed to make it on time…

PR guru Kerry O’Brien and Gold FM’s Brigitte Duclos get the full treatment from the Blo Bar crew

Age journalist Suzanne Carbonne

Media gals Alice Coster, Wendy Tuohy and Rebecca Maddern

The room’s decor was stunning, including the highlight – a towering floral peacock

Ornate peacocks sat atop the decadent floral arrangements…

And it didn’t take much to work out the inspiration behind the theme of the day…

The stunning peacock arrangements paid tribute to one of the hardest working among us, Crown’s Ann Peacock

Never too old to sit on Santa's knee - me and Herald Sun columnist Wendy Tuohy

Never too old to sit on Santa’s knee – me with Herald Sun columnist Wendy Tuohy and Santa!

A highlight of the day was the entertainment – songs performed by a young man with one of the most beautiful voices I’ve heard – 11-year-old Beau Woodbridge. You’ll get the chance to hear him too when he performs at Carols By Candelight with David Hobson on Christmas Eve. And yes, you may have recognised his surname. His father is none other than tennis great Todd Woodbridge.

Star of the future 11-year-old Beau Woodbridge

Recognise these faces?

Dee Dee Dunleavy, Kate Langbroek, Brigitte Duclos, Jane Kennedy and Rebecca Maddern get into the festive spirit!

As lunch drew to an end, Ann wheeled in early Christmas gifts for all… a trolley-sized goody bag!

It all ended too soon, so for those of us who wanted to kick on, we headed downstairs to The Waiting Room bar.

Martinis anyone? Jane, Kate, Dee Dee, Rebecca and Ann.

Got my trolley home without being too trollied…

The trolley contents spilled over the table… a never-ending stream of surprises

Here’s some of my favourites:

A mini bottle of Moet – my favourite champagne!

Luxury skincare from La Prairie

A new Burberry lipstick – LOVE the stylish platinum packaging.

Vintage Princess white leather and silver cuff

Swisse Vitamin samples

A box of The Muesli sachets

An elegant Simply Vera candle by Vera Wang, Harris Scarfe

Beautiful make-up from Benefit

Cool summer nail colours from Nine West

Make-up and blow-dry voucher from Blo Bar

Milky Foot treatment

My kind of self-help book

Whitening cream and skin evaluation voucher from Liberty Belle

Plus there were movie passes from Roadshow and Palace cinemas, all adding up to possibly the best-ever goody bag I’ve seen. Huge thanks to Ann Peacock, Crown and all the sponsors for such a wonderful day.

Some people don’t believe she’s REALLY my Mum

Posted on May 13, 2013 by JenniferHansen

When I tell people my Mum rarely drinks, never smoked, doesn’t swear and often goes to Church on Sundays, people raise their eyebrows and question where I came from. Okay, so I don’t smoke anymore, but really, I’m not THAT bad!! We just do some things differently…

Regardless, we spend a helluva lot of time together because our families are close and Mum and my wonderful stepfather Ken, do an enormous amount to help out on the home front. They even walk the dogs for us when I’m strapped for time. (I know – I’m spoilt.) When the kids were very young, they’d have sleep-overs at Grandma and Papa’s practically every Friday night so Fletch and I could have a social life. (Again, yes, very spoilt…) And if Mum babysits, I often arrive home to find the ironing all done. (Okay, I’ll shut-up now…)

But I also have siblings – two older brothers and a younger sister – so most of the family get-togethers involve lots of relatives with aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews and fabulous, noisy mayhem. So the one day of the year I get Mum all to myself is when I take her to the annual Crown Mother’s Day Lunch. It’s always a very special day and we both feel very lucky to be included.

Mum and me ready to head off to Crown

This year’s event was at the uber cool Mr Hive restaurant at Crown’s Metropol Hotel. Ken even drove us in – bless him – so we didn’t have to bother with parking or a taxi.

Mr Hive Restaurant at Crown

As we walked out of the lift, you could hear the buzz from the restaurant – the place bursting with excited conversation as we arrived – everybody trying to get around to as many people as possible before we took our seats. The room looked stunning, each table adorned with a beautiful floral arrangement.

Host Ann Peacock

As always, Crowns’ General Manager of Public Relations, Ann Peacock was there, stylishly dressed and greeting everyone with a warm smile. Knowing what Annie was going through, with her mum, Susan, battling cancer, I knew it must be a tough call. It was the first time in sixteen years I’d been to the lunch and not caught up with Susan. For Annie to see everyone there with their mums and not have her own by her side must have been bloody awful.

Yet still she took to the podium and made her annual Mother’s Day speech. Bravely, she spoke about her Mum’s ordeal and what Susan and her family were going through. Every year I take a tissue to this lunch because something emotional happens and I’m a big sook. But this year I wasn’t alone. I don’t think there was a dry eye in the house when Annie finished and was met with a standing ovation. She spoke with grace and dignity, her words of love and pain, direct and honest. God knows how she didn’t fall apart… I’m betting she’s inherited a good dose of her mother’s strength.

If there’s no greater love than that of a mother for her child, you can imagine the feeling in Hive over lunch – all these mothers with their children – to whom they have given so much love and support, enabling their kids to get to where they are today – it’s a pretty powerful vibe.

Jules Lund with his mum, Judy

Here’s a photo collection of some of the mums and their sometimes famous off-spring – starting with radio host Jules Lund, whose mum was giving him an earful over his new piercings – all part of an on-air dare. Jules has promised Judy he’ll have them removed as soon as possible. And yes, there is also one just under his lip – it’s not clear in the pic.

Brigitte Duclos with her mum, Shelia.

Jane Kennedy and her mum, Jill

Heloise Waislitz and her mum, Jeanne Pratt

Patti and Lauren Newton

Andrea Moss and her mum, Diane John

Lauren Phillips with her mum, Liz Coningsby

Tania Buckley and Janine Minnici

Tim Campbell and his mum, Heather

Anthony Callea and his mum, Santina

We were lucky enough to be on the same table as the delightful Anthony Callea and his partner, Tim Campbell – both famous and talented in their own right and a gorgeous couple. Mum wanted clarification though – she couldn’t believe Santina was Anthony’s mother. ‘She’s far too young!’ Mum exclaimed.

A highlight of the day was hearing Anthony and Tim sing together, along with leading vocalist Susie Ahern – a truly spine-tingling moment. And when Anthony sang ‘The Perfect Fan,’ for his Mum, the tissues came out again and there was another standing ovation.And then there was another standing ovation…

And then there was another standing ovation…

I could relate to that song. My Mum has always been my perfect fan, as most mothers are of their children – whether they’re in the public eye or not.

I was part of an acting workshop recently where some of the students revealed stories about traumatic childhoods where they were abused by their parents. Shocking stories that made me sad and angry. And also very, very grateful. I have only ever known huge love and support from my Mum. I remember when I first started reading the news and Mum would phone me almost every night to tell me what a brilliant job I had done – even when I hadn’t.

Dessert anyone?

Before we knew it, it was time for dessert. Whoa – now THAT’S what I call a dessert! That’s one thing Mum and I DO both share – a love of sweet treats.

As we tucked in, I looked around the room at all the other mums and felt quite smug. There were lots of other lovely mothers there, but quite frankly, I know mine’s the best of them all. It’s just not debatable.

(Love you, Mum. xxx)

Australia’s Women in Media Unite – A Day of Laughter and Tears

Posted on December 7, 2012 by JenniferHansen

Helen Reddy

‘I am woman, hear me roar,’ sang Helen Reddy in 1971 and let us never forget the power of that anthem. Yes, it was a WOMAN who was the first Australian to write a Grammy Award winning song. And yes, Reddy made waves with her Best Female Performance acceptance speech, thanking ‘God, because She makes everything possible.’ A true legend.

It was a case of WOMAN POWER in abundance at Crown yesterday, where General Manager of Public Relations, Ann Peacock, hosted the 14th annual Women In Media Christmas Lunch. Men have had their boys’ clubs and coteries for centuries and I ‘Thank God‘ that Ann came up with this concept to recognise and bring together the biggest power players in our communication industries for an annual event. We’re talking about our best known journalists, PR powerhouses, media managers, TV and radio personalities and yes, even a couple of bloggers. (My, the stories I heard… )

Breezes Restaurant at Crown

The lunch was held at Crown’s Breezes restaurant, with champagne served outside on the patio under the sun to kick-start the day.

Brigitte Duclos, Santa and me

Of course, it’s not Christmas without Santa… Re-living our childhood, I was delighted to test the strength of Santa’s knees along with my oldest and dearest buddy, Brigitte Duclos, (GOLD FM Breakfast radio host) who has been a close friend since we met in kindergarten, many moons ago…

Me – top left, and Brigitte – middle row, far right

Dee Dee Dunleavy

And while there were lots of laughs to be had, with many keen to jump Santa, (including the delightful Dee Dee Dunleavy who I’m thrilled has found another radio gig – this time with 3AW on Sundays, along with her loyal cohort Grubby) there were also plenty of serious discussions about the state of the media industry, and what the future holds for those who’ve taken redundancies and chosen a different path. Questions abounded about traditional media versus new media and how to make the two work together. Others talked about the battle of juggling work and motherhood. And the old chestnut reared it’s ugly head – you know, sexism in the workplace and how it impacts on women.

Pristine before the mob descends…

As the chatter grew, I snuck inside the marquee to check out the table setting which I’d glimpsed through the plastic. Wow – what a picture! A cacophony of pink florals and Christmas trinkets scattered strategically down the centre of the table, perfectly accented by old-worlde wooden school chairs, painted in pastel hues. It almost seemed a shame that guests would soon be ushered inside to upset such perfection.

Personalised Christmas decoration

The attention to detail was meticulous. Each guest had their spot marked with a delicate glass Christmas ornament encasing a silver bird, with attached personalised name tag.

Women in Media lunch gets underway at Breezes

Then in one big rush, the hordes swooped and amid a clattering of chairs and clinking of glasses, it was ‘game on’! But the crescendo of noise subsided when Ann Peacock took to the podium and began to speak, recognising that one of the fold was missing from the table. A hush fell as Ann paid tribute to the late, legendary publicist Suzie Howie, who recently passed after a long battle with cancer.

The late Suzie Howie

Ann quoted Suzie’s famous words that she penned herself when she knew she wouldn’t be with us much longer. ‘I have had a terrific life and am so grateful for the fun, the excitement and the wonderful people who have been a part of it.’

Remembering Suzie, Ann spoke of her incredible work ethic and how she continued to work right up to the end. Ann met Suzie when she was just 17 years old, and counted her as an important role model and inspiration. ‘Time and time again, she displayed her tireless motivation and attention to detail that she paid her clients. I miss her laugh, but she has left us with so many happy memories. Suzie was a true leading lady and those memories will live on.’ Happy memories yes, but those of us who knew Suzie were still reaching for our tissues. I also knew Suzie for more than 20 years and was particularly grateful for her support and kindness after I left Channel Ten.

Crown General Manage Public Relations Ann Peacock

Ann also acknowledged every guest at the table and recognised the hard work done during the year, but said now was a time for celebration – a chance to kick back and have fun. But she also reminded us all, ‘What goes on in the room, stays in the room!’ Standard.

In ending, she encouraged everyone to take to heart a final message from Suzie, to stay positive.’Enjoy life. I have,’ she quoted, from the inimitable Ms Howie.

And enjoy ourselves we did! After main course, James Reyne inspired many to sing along as he performed several of his greatest hits, including Reckless.

Singer James Reyne

Events queen Judy Romano

Judging by the photos of everyone, I think we all took Suzie’s message on board. Here’s a collection of shots from the wonderful Women In Media Lunch. And I must say I very much enjoyed taking pictures of some of the print media girls for a change, who are usually on the other side of the camera. Although Suzanne Carbone and Mik Grigg from The Age declined being snapped, preferring to stay out of the spotlight. Which is fine, although somewhat curious…

Jo Hall (Channel Nine Newsreader), Amber Petty (columnist, blogger and publicist) and Kate McGrath (Channel Nine News Chief-of-Staff)

Alice Coster (Herald Sun) JulieKiriacoudis (Herald Sun) and Sarah Gale (AMPR publicist)

Alice Coster (Herald Sun journalist) JulieKiriacoudis (Herald Sun photographer) and Sarah Gale (AMPR publicist)

Danni Minogue and Inge Burke (Village Roadshow)

Danni Minogue and Inge Burke (National Publicity Manager, Roadshow Films)

Kate Langbroek, Sascha French, Ann Peacock

Kate Langbroek, (Nova radio host) Sascha French (Nova radio producer) and Ann Peacock (Crown General Manager Public Relations)

Michelle Stamper (Channel Nine Publicist) and Ann Morrison (former head of AMPR)

Kate Keane and Kelly Black (Channel Seven Publicist)

Kate Keane (Kate & Co. Publicity) and Kelly Black (Channel Seven Publicist)

Car boot jam-packed with Goodie Bags!

Ann had warned us during her speech that we’d face a challenge carrying our Goodie Bags home. I didn’t register the PLURAL attached to the word BAGS at the time,but check this out…

Yep, not one, but FOUR Goodie Bags were given to each guest at the function.

I mentioned earlier that thing about attention to detail, didn’t I? Here’s another one. Crown even provided helpers to carry our bags to our cars… I know, I know. I was damn lucky to crack an invite. Thanks Ann! And I bet you’re all dying to know what’s actually IN the Goodie Bags, right? I will let you know, but enough for now. That can wait for the next blog, coming soon. I’m all for girl power, but seriously, I’m too exhausted now from just carrying the darn things through the door.

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Tag Archives: Brigitte Duclos

A Night To Remember – The Book Launch for MAKING HEADLINES

Christmas comes early at the ‘Women in Media’ lunch

Some people don’t believe she’s REALLY my Mum

Australia’s Women in Media Unite – A Day of Laughter and Tears